The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless Digital Camera
I knew this day would come upon us during Photokina 2012; Panasonic has finally unveiled the long awaited Lumix DMC-GH3. Being a GH2 user, I have been waiting for my camera’s value to drop, I mean, for the newer version of what I already own to come out so I can upgrade. In all seriousness, let’s take a look at what the GH3 will offer us and what we can expect from this camera’s performance.
Although the GH3 supports unlimited recording time, that pesky 29ish-minute recording restriction for PAL regions will impede on this feature. The work around? The GH3′s HDMI output also enables external recording, with simultaneous recording to the SD card. With the use of a video recorder like an Atomos Ninja, you can record directly from the cameras sensor to a hard disk. It seems as though Nikon set a trend with this capability on the D800.
The GH3 is capable of shooting in either MP4, MOV, AVCHD or AVCHD Progressive, with a maximum bandwidth of 72 Mbps (ALL-Intra) / 50 Mbps (IPB). The formats can be recorded using frame rates of 24, 30 and 60p (excluding MOV and AVCHD). The DMC-GH3 includes a count-up system with REC Run and Free Run codes and a recording system with Drop Frame and Non Drop Frame codes for easier syncing in post production. As we’re seeing more and more, this camera also comes with Wi-Fi connectivity so you can sync up with your mobile phone and control the camera remotely while connected or upload media to the web. So far it looks like the GH3 will come with an F2.8 35-100mm lens that will also be dust and splash-proof.
Quick Specs
Panasonic Lumix GH3
Thanks for the article!
Latest update from Photokina is that the GH3 does NOT have focus peaking, though this could be added later in the firmware (hopefully before it ships).
Also, it’s not a deal-breaker, but should specify that the HDMI output of the GH3 is 4:2:0, not 4:2:2 like the D800.
I’ve already pre-ordered mine… can’t wait to put it through its paces! I will be testing it with an Atomos Ninja-2 as soon as I get it. Incidentally, the Ninja-2 has focus peaking and zebras, if anyone misses these on the GH3.
Keep up the great reviews!
Cheers,
Gray Jones,
TV Editor/Writer,
Host, TV Writer Podcast, Partner of Script Magazine.
99.9% perfect. Only focus peaking is missing.
Despite that and despite the news that the 7D is getting Magic Lantern soon, I’m done with mirrors.
I’ve decided to sell my 7D, lenses, XA10, and G12 and buy 2 GH2s with the new weather sealed lenses. Combined with the manual focus glass I’ve been using with my NEX7 (and the NEX itself of course), I doubt I’ll miss that boat anchor. For the hybrid work I do, this camera will provide everything I need from slow motion to a built in intervalometer to wireless remote control. Those features and the lens compatibility are way more important than a full frame sensor to me.
Now I just need to find somebody interested in buying a complete turn-key 2 camera video kit for $8000!
@Dave You crack me up! Great points.
Hey mate you want to keep your glass and wait for the mft version of the speedbooster when it come out.
Phillip bloom and others have done a review amazing. Full frame look whilst making your lenses one stop faster. $600 though but may be a better alternative?
your awesome
does the non-mirrorless version ( the one ofr 439.99 on B&H ) of the gh3 still have the 1080/60p 50Mbps IPB and 24p 72Mbps ALL-I feature
@David I don’t see it on B&H, could you link me? Thank you!